The Kurdistan Region is preparing to launch a mandatory taxi meter system soon. Transport Minister Ano Abdoka announced the upcoming project on Sunday. This new initiative will introduce transparent pricing for passengers and aims to boost public confidence in local transportation.
The government seeks to align the region’s transport system with international standards. Authorities are currently finalizing the technical preparations for the electronic meters. This step follows a large-scale campaign to regulate the transport sector. For instance, the ministry has already standardized more than 71,000 local taxis.
Officials previously introduced official identification cards and unified vehicle branding. They also implemented color-coded markings to improve oversight. As a result, these measures reduced passenger complaints to below five percent.
The new meters will calculate fares automatically based on distance traveled. Therefore, the system will eliminate daily disputes over pricing, allowing both drivers and passengers to benefit from more predictable costs.
In addition, the ministry has modernized the freight logistics sector by installing GPS tracking systems on 28,000 heavy cargo trucks. Electronic security locks have also been added to these vehicles, helping to secure regional trade routes more effectively.
Meanwhile, the government has digitized manifest procedures at border checkpoints, significantly speeding up commercial cargo processing. The ministry also now tracks tourist travel documents through digital databases.
Additionally, authorities are modernizing passenger terminals across the region. The transport sector currently issues 12 different types of licenses, while more than 23,000 buses operate under the updated regulatory framework.
Ultimately, these reforms support plans for a new international dry port. The government continues to prioritize digital governance across public services. The taxi meter project represents another major milestone in improving transportation services for local commuters.